bush. the white house and republicans have been sparring over this issue, but today, a top republican seemed to open the door to a deal. here's david kerley. >> reporter: in a week during which you'll hear a lot of this -- >> tax cuts. >> tax cuts. >> tax cuts. >> tax cuts. >> reporter: expect an earful on the bush tax cuts specifically. republicans want to extend them. the president says it's time to let them expire for the rich, those making more than $250,000. and today, a stunning admission from the top republican in the house. >> if the only option i have is to vote for those at 250 and below, of course i'm going to do that. but i think that's bad policy. >> reporter: a nod to the president's plan, and a strategic effort to blunt mr. obama's latest attack. >> let me be clear to mr. boehner and everybody else. we should not hold middle class tax cuts hostage any longer. >> reporter: the president claim s letting the cuts expire will give the government $700 billion to cut the deficit. >